Busy Fortnight for U11s

The past fortnight has been exceptionally busy for our U11 squad. It began with hosting Killavullen for a hurling challenge in Kilworth on Saturday, followed by a football activity day at Pairc Ui Chaoimh the next Tuesday. During this event, they played three games against teams from Cork (Midleton & St. Nicks) and Waterford (St Marys).

Two days later, on Thursday, they returned to headquarters for the hurling equivalent, facing sides from Waterford (Lismore) and Tipperary (Fethard & Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams). The week continued with internal games on Saturday morning and bank holiday Monday. Tonight, they travel to Fermoy for a hurling challenge against our neighbors.

Despite the hectic schedule, it's all part of the fun! The activity days at Pairc Ui Chaoimh were excellently organized by our GDAs and included a stadium tour where the boys sat in the home dressing room, visited the gym used by Cork players, and participated in a Q&A session with former Cork senior hurler Mick Daly in the media room. Hopefully, there will be many more memorable days for these boys in one of the best stadiums in the country.

Minor Football Championship Grenagh 1-13 Kilworth Araglen Óg 2-12

A nail-biting first-round championship match unfolded in Grenagh’s impressive new facilities under ideal conditions on Wednesday 23/7/2025 . Referee Patrick John Coughlan initiated the game, and we started supported by a strong breeze.

Despite opening the scoring and maintaining even possession, we went behind by four points due to Grenagh's slick passing and brilliant score-taking. The situation appeared dire when our Captain Killian Watts was forced off after just 15 minutes.

What followed was a remarkable turnaround. Galvanized by the loss we intensified our efforts and dominated both possession and field position for the next half hour, spanning either side of halftime. By the interval, we led 1-9 to 0-6 .

Highlights during this period included clinical finishing from Danny Kenneally and Con Rielly, precise kicking from Dan Fitzgerald and Kevin Reidy, coupled with impressive running from Denis O’Riordan, Mike Lenihan, and Cathal Burdette. Defensively, Adam Duggan marshaled a committed display with Sam Beecher, Sam O’Brien, and Kevin Maher constantly involved.

The loss of the excellent Alex O’Flynn at halftime began to take its toll towards the end of the game as Grenagh’s impressive free-taker scored several long-range points. A late goal from Grenagh added tension to the thrilling contest. However, Darragh Kellaway's inspired save, dogged defending from Sean O’Riordan, and Ronan Fenton's efforts stemmed the tide. The siege was lifted by strong runs from Sean Murphy at wing back, great hold-up plays from Kuba Coismak, and constant pressure from Sean Kelleher.

The final whistle saw us secure victory after a rollercoaster of a game filled with fine football action.

Picture attached is of JJ, Darragh, Tadhg and Micheáll who all played their part in ensuring Cork North qualified for the next stage of the Tony Forrestal cup with victory over Waterford and Tipperary in Sunny Dungarvan last Saturday.